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To what extent are unions able to represent the interests of unskilled workers with respect to vocational training and thus prevent their exclusion from the labour market? This paper reports on the findings of a five country comparative study. Although the term 'workers with a low level of qualification' derives from the French policy debate, similar groups who occupy a position of structural disadvantage in the labour market can be identified in other countries. The capacity of unions to represent the interests of unskilled workers varies according to their formal representation rights, principles of recruitment and their internal structures. Despite the debate on 'the new bargaining agenda', policy with respect to training is often a response to employer initiatives. Unions are setting their own agenda insofar as they adapt their bargaining and recruitment strategies to the changing structure of employment. However, this involves appealing to the interests of more highly qualified workers as well as the unskilled and may require the management of new conflicts of interest.